Roadtown, Tortola -  Government will next week provide an update on the Virgin Gorda Airport Development Project.Wednesday, March 18 is the date set for the second public meeting on the airport project. The meeting at the Catholic Community Centre is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, who is also the Ninth District Representative and several other senior Government officials are expected to be in attendance along with representatives from Halcrow Group Limited, the United Kingdom based company contracted to produce a safer and more modern airport on Virgin Gorda.

Residents can expect to hear more about the various options devised for the development of a new runway, which is one of the critical steps in upgrading the airport. The options were developed by Halcrow following consultation with officials of Air Safety Support International (ASSI) which is the aviation regulatory authority for the British Overseas territories.

Each of the options presented will include the construction of a new terminal, apron, air traffic control, fire facilities, car park and road access.

The company has already completed the necessary topographic and oceanographic studies, providing information on landmarks and the landscape as well as the marine and ecosystems, ocean currents, underwater depth and the contour of ocean floors. The underlying purpose is to determine the potential impact on the marine, terrestrial and social fabric of the Virgin Gorda community.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Officer Mrs. Rosalie Adams is encouraging residents to turn out in their numbers for next Wednesday’s meeting.

 “The Virgin Gorda Airport Development Project is at a critical juncture,” she told the Department of Information and Public Relations. “We are at the point where critical questions have to be answered and it is only with the support of the people of Virgin Gorda that Government will be able to decide on the way forward,” Mrs. Adams added.

Recalling a commitment given at the first public meeting on the airport development project in June last year, the Permanent Secretary said “Government is committed to thoroughly educating the public on this project because what we want is true and meaningful partnership where we are all working towards the common goal of sustainably developing the Territory.”

The development of the Virgin Gorda Airport has become necessary for the current restrictions under which it operates to be lifted. The many ground obstacles and runway strip dimensions do not conform to international standards, resulting in a restricted aerodrome operating licence which is subject to regular review by ASSI.

Under the current license, only twin engine aircraft and pilots with a high level of experience are allowed to navigate the Virgin Gorda airport.

When complete, the new airport will have the capacity to accommodate 19-seater aircraft, thus providing an additional option for the many residents and tourists who travel between the Virgin Islands.

Government signed a $1.2 million contract with Halcrow Group Limited on June 17, 2008 for the design and other preliminary work necessary for the creation of a safer and more modern airport on Virgin Gorda.

Government is committed to improving the Territory’s infrastructure as part of efforts to facilitate continued growth and development.